Aaj Ka Arjun review :
With the title Aaj Ka Arjun, you would expect the hero to be called Arjun.
No, the hero of Aaj Ka Arjun is named Bheema. Another pivotal character from Mahabharat.
When Amitabh Bachchan was questioned why he was not called Arjun in the film, he politely asked the interviewer to check with producer- director KC Bokadia. Well, thats true professionalism, if I may call it!!
Bheema, the titular Arjun, was the poor gaonwala oppressed by the village Thakur (Amrish Puri) whose son impregnates his sis (Radhika) and then leaves her. Bheema avenges her humiliation and also owns up to her child (Baby Guddu).
The biggest positive of Aaj Ka Arjun turned out to be its soundtrack by Bappi Lahiri - 'Gori Hai Kalaiyaan' topped the Binaca Geetmala that year while 'Chali Aana Tu Paan Ki Dukaan Pe' was unique for Bachchan's dress style keeping the price tags intact.
Aaj Ka Arjun came at a time when Amitabh was going through a rough patch with good films like Main Azaad Hoon (1989) and Agneepath (1990) underperforming at the box office. Nobody expected this movie to do anything but it turned out to be a sleeper hit of the year providing a much needed respite to Bachchan. Deservedly!!
Released at Alankar Cinema, Mumbai, the film was a silver jubilee success proving the Bachchan charisma had not waned at all. He delivered another hit in Hum (1991) six months later to quiet his detractors (and certain trade pundits!!) forever. Boss is boss. Always!!!!
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.
With the title Aaj Ka Arjun, you would expect the hero to be called Arjun.
No, the hero of Aaj Ka Arjun is named Bheema. Another pivotal character from Mahabharat.
When Amitabh Bachchan was questioned why he was not called Arjun in the film, he politely asked the interviewer to check with producer- director KC Bokadia. Well, thats true professionalism, if I may call it!!
Bheema, the titular Arjun, was the poor gaonwala oppressed by the village Thakur (Amrish Puri) whose son impregnates his sis (Radhika) and then leaves her. Bheema avenges her humiliation and also owns up to her child (Baby Guddu).
The biggest positive of Aaj Ka Arjun turned out to be its soundtrack by Bappi Lahiri - 'Gori Hai Kalaiyaan' topped the Binaca Geetmala that year while 'Chali Aana Tu Paan Ki Dukaan Pe' was unique for Bachchan's dress style keeping the price tags intact.
Aaj Ka Arjun came at a time when Amitabh was going through a rough patch with good films like Main Azaad Hoon (1989) and Agneepath (1990) underperforming at the box office. Nobody expected this movie to do anything but it turned out to be a sleeper hit of the year providing a much needed respite to Bachchan. Deservedly!!
Released at Alankar Cinema, Mumbai, the film was a silver jubilee success proving the Bachchan charisma had not waned at all. He delivered another hit in Hum (1991) six months later to quiet his detractors (and certain trade pundits!!) forever. Boss is boss. Always!!!!
Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.